NSW prison inquiry hears about 'cover-up'
An inquiry examining the culture and mindset of correctional officers at a NSW prison has heard guards lied in reports about the bashing of an inmate.
The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption is examining allegations prison officers used unwarranted force on an inmate at Lithgow Correctional Centre in February 2014 before deleting CCTV footage and planting drugs to justify a cell search.
The inquiry on Monday heard the victim, a bikie gang associate who can't be identified for legal reasons, abused officers on an intercom.
In return, he was visited by a specially-trained unit nicknamed "the ninja turtles" headed by former prison officer Terrence Walker, who recalled his instructions were to "put him in his place".
An official report said the inmate was injured when he tripped and landed on a toilet while trying to flush contraband.
But Mr Walker told the inquiry the report was a lie.
He alleged colleagues colluded to fabricate the story after learning of the inmate's black eye, bruised mouth and rib injury.
Counsel assisting the inquiry Sam Duggan said the two-week inquiry would examine the culture and mindset of correctional officers with systemic corruption in mind.
The inquiry before Commissioner Stephen Rushton SC continues.
